“Politics makes strange bedfellows, and I’d like to keep my sheets clean."
Democratic incumbent, and Hayfield's current mayor, Jade Weatherby thought she had the mayoral race in the bag. That was until cafe owner and independent candidate, Finn Haley, joined the game.
Amidst their political rivalry and social pressures put on them by the small town's populants, Jade and Finn immediately fall for one another.
When a third candidate for mayor emerges with plans that could endanger the town, Jade and Finn are forced to make tough decisions about their careers and their growing relationship.
“Politics makes strange bedfellows, and I’d like to keep my sheets clean."
Democratic incumbent, and Hayfield's current mayor, Jade Weatherby thought she had the mayoral race in the bag. That was until cafe owner and independent candidate, Finn Haley, joined the game.
Amidst their political rivalry and social pressures put on them by the small town's populants, Jade and Finn immediately fall for one another.
When a third candidate for mayor emerges with plans that could endanger the town, Jade and Finn are forced to make tough decisions about their careers and their growing relationship.
The air smelled like money. Money was the one thing most attendees had in common.
There was old money, like the wealth of the Hendersons, derived from oil fields in Texas. Then there was new money, like the Charlestons, who started a dotcom for sports fans that took off like a rocket.
The room was filled with rich people eager to help finance their choice for mayor of Hayfield, Pennsylvania. At the front of the hotel ballroom stood the one person who hoped to shake some of that money off the tree and guide it into her campaign coffers.
Mayor Jade Weatherby knew the pressures of fundraising. This was her third go-around and it never got easier. Money always came with strings, and she sometimes felt like a puppet caught in a web of promises and obligations.
She opened her compact to check her makeup. At forty, the stress of two consecutive terms had begun to show. She hated the lines that ran under her eyes and the loose skin forming on her chin. She touched the edge of her face and wondered if it was time for a facelift.
Jade snapped her compact shut and watched her assistant, Raydrick Lee, walk up to the podium. The slender, black man moved so gracefully it was easy to see why he had no trouble attracting members of his own gender. Jade recalled many times when women were disappointed to find out they biologically lacked what he needed. The mayor hid her clenched fists as she nervously waited for her turn to speak. Raydrick addressed the crowd first.
“Good evening,” said Raydrick. The noise in the room dissipated. “I want to thank you all for coming tonight in support of our wonderful leader of Hayfield.” He paused as some applauded. “I am proud to work for an intelligent, passionate person who I can truly call my friend. A trailblazer for the rights of all citizens, no matter their gender, race, religious beliefs, or romantic preferences. A 21st Century leader in every sense of the word. Come on, now,” said Raydrick. “Let’s hear it for Mayor Jade Weatherby.”
The applause grew louder as Raydrick whooped up the crowd. The host stepped away from the podium as a single spotlight fell on Jade while she made her way to the microphone.
She raised her hands and flashed her best politician’s smile. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you all.” She turned toward her assistant as the room quieted again. “I want to take a moment to thank my right-hand man, Raydrick Lee, for his kind words and unyielding support.” More cheers filled the room before dying off.
Jade looked out at the jubilant audience. “Most people enter politics with good intentions. They feel a call to duty, a need to do what they can to improve society. JFK said it best, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country”. I believe that applies to all levels of government, from small towns like ours to big cities like Philadelphia, and capitals like Washington, D.C. Good people want to do good things.”
Jade paused for more applause.
“As your mayor, I vowed to do my best to make Hayfield the finest community in the nation. Community. That’s an important word. No matter what we look like, no matter how prosperous we are, no matter what our dreams are, we are all in this together. We are a community. We are the melting pot that makes our country such a wonderful place to live.
“Under my administration, Hayfield has the lowest crime rate in the region,” said Jade. “We have one of the highest-rated high schools in the state, and we have the lowest rate of unemployment in Pennsylvania. We have succeeded in turning Hayfield into a thriving community.” She glanced at Raydrick, who had moved closer to her. “But we are far from perfect. And there is still more work to do. I promise to keep pushing to help everyone in Hayfield reach their highest potential. I vow, as your mayor, to make the American Dream a reality for all our citizens. But I need your support to continue to serve our amazing town. So please, give what you can, and remember to vote for Jade Weatherby this November!”
Jade stepped back to a new round of applause. She reached out and shook Raydrick’s hand. Supporters waved signs with Jade’s name on them as chanting ran through the room: Vote for Jade. Vote for Jade. The mayor smiled as people took her picture with their cell phones.
On a whim, Jade stepped into the crowd, and shook hands with her guests, standing next to potential voters as they took selfies Jade worked her way through the crowd, thanking everyone who could hear her. Balloons fell from the ceiling and laughing patrons batted them around the room. A band marched into the room and played Hail to the Chief.
The guests lined up for a buffet-style lunch that included breads, deli meats and cheeses, soft drinks, various desserts, and warm, soft pretzels. Members of the press gathered around Jade as the partygoers feasted on the free food. Raydrick stayed close to his boss as the sharks circled.
“Your Honor,” yelled one reporter. “With all this pomp and circumstance, it may be easy to forget Hayfield is still embroiled in a nasty sanitation workers’ strike.” The folks around Jade became quiet. “What progress have you made with the workers?” asked the reporter.
Jade smiled. “Well, I wouldn’t call it a nasty strike,” she said. “The workers are exercising their rights to have their concerns addressed. And we are negotiating with them in good faith. I think the strike will be over soon, and everyone will be happy with the outcome.”
At the back of the ballroom, Jade saw a tall stranger in a black leather jacket enter and stand near the far wall. He surveyed the room and nodded, appearing to make mental notes.
Jade turned to Raydrick and whispered, “Who is that man in the back of the room?”
“I don’t know, but he is a handsome hunk of man.” Raydrick squinted and leaned forward. “I’ll find out who he is.”
A few reporters noticed the curious stares and turned to see what had the mayor’s attention. The stranger turned and drifted out of the room.
One reporter turned back and fired a question at Jade. “Your Honor, was that a friend of yours?”
Jade shrugged. “I don’t know who that was, but I hope he is a registered Democrat,” she replied, drawing laughs from the crowd. “Seriously though, if you haven’t registered yet, do it soon. I want to see all of you out there on Election Day as you vote for me.”
A different man in a neatly pressed, blue suit, stepped toward Jade. “I will be there, Your Honor,” he said. He put his arm around a woman in an inexpensive yellow dress. “Both my wife and I will be voting for you again. You can count on it.”
Jade strolled toward the couple with Raydrick close behind. “Mr. Blake,” said Jade. She took the man’s right hand and held it in hers. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” She[BM1] [SD2] turned toward the woman. “Mrs. Blake, you look lovely.”
Mr. Blake leaned in toward Jade. “I want to thank you again for helping us get that loan,” he said. Jade let go of his hand. “The business runs so smoothly now. We renovated our factory with modern equipment making us twice as efficient with fewer workers.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” said Jade. She hugged the man and his wife. “Working for you when I was in college taught me a great deal about leadership and responsibility. Thank you for coming to support me now. I won’t let you down.” The couple backed away to let Jade speak with other citizens.
Jade shook so many hands hers had begun to hurt. She tucked them behind her back every now and then to stretch them and keep her blood flowing. A sea of supporters came up to her. Some wanted pictures, some wanted autographs, but most wanted to say hello and let her know she was doing a fine job.[BM3] [SD4] Their appreciation warmed her heart.
An elderly lady slowly moved toward Jade. “I have something to say.” Jade smiled in silent approval for her to continue. “I live near the Navy base at the edge of town,” said the woman. “And the noise those planes make when they take off and land is enough to drive someone batty.” She rested her right hand on Jade’s. “Would you be a dear and speak to someone about that?”
Jade grimaced. “I’m sorry, but I’m afraid there is nothing we can do,” she said. “After all, we do need our brave men and women in uniform to protect us from outside forces. Their sacrifices are far greater than our own. Please, try to understand.”
“Oh, I know that,” said the woman. “My Harold served in Korea but that was before we were married. After he came back, he went to college and started his own business.” She touched her chest. “He passed last winter,” she said.
Jade felt her eyes well with sympathy. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said. “And I want to thank you for his service. He sounds like a wonderful man.”
“He was,” said the woman. “I wish the government would remember that. Since he died, they have been trying to reduce my benefits.” She took a breath. “Can you help me with that?”
Jade glanced at Raydrick. “This fine young man may be able to help.”
Raydrick edged toward the woman. He spoke to her quietly and guided her away from Jade. The mayor watched her assistant as he opened his cell and took down the woman’s information, her face brightening.
“That was quite a maneuver,” said a voice from behind Jade. She turned to find a gray-haired man in an Armani suit grinning at her. “I like to let my staff handle the small things too,” said the man. “It keeps me available for the big decisions.”
Jade forced a smile. “Good evening, Mr. Slade,” she said. “It’s good to see you.”
The real estate mogul smiled. “I bet that was difficult to say,” he said and rose one shoulder in a casual shrug. “No matter. I want to get right to the point.” He put a hand on Jade’s back and led her to a quiet corner. “I would like to make a sizable donation to your campaign,” he said, using his best charm. “But first, I need to be sure my money is going to the right person.”
“And how would you determine that?” asked Jade. She glanced down at his arm still around her back. He took the hint and pulled it away, but only after he let his hand linger a bit too long.
“I have a project I would like to launch in Hayfield,” said Slade. “One that would bring jobs and tax revenues to the town.” He locked his eyes with hers. “Consider it a win-win for everyone.”
“That sounds interesting,” said Jade. “So, what’s the catch?”
Slade tilted his head to the right. “I am having some difficulties with the zoning permits,” he said. “It seems some people in your town’s council are reluctant to let me build my nuclear power plant in Hayfield. Now, if someone in power could help me with my problem, I would be more than generous in return.”
“I hate to disappoint you, sir,” said Jade. “But a nuclear power plant[BM5] [SD6] in Hayfield is not what the citizens want. No matter the financial benefits.” She tapped his right shoulder and started to move away from him. “I’m sure you can understand. Thank you for coming.”
Slade stepped in front of Jade and cut off her escape. “Your Honor, nuclear power plants are not the monsters they used to be,” he said. He pushed his face closer to hers. “The Three-Mile Islands and Chernobyls are relics of the past. Our modern facilities are safe, and they supply affordable, clean energy.” He smiled. “And don’t forget the jobs.”
“Mr. Slade, Three Mile Island happened in my state,” she said. “You might not believe it, but when it comes to potential catastrophes, our voters have long memories. There is no way a politician in Pennsylvania would push for putting a nuclear power plant so close to a civilian population.” She raised her hands. “The residents would mutiny.”
Slade paused as if gathering his thoughts. “An informed public can make informed decisions,” he said. “It would be up to us to educate them.”
Jade’s frustration rose. “We seem to disagree on this topic,” she said. “If you want to donate to my campaign, I’d be happy to take your money. But I offer no promises in return.” She shook his hand. “Have a good evening, sir.”
Raydrick rushed over; his sorrowful expression telling Jade he wanted to get to her sooner than he did. Jade shook off her interaction with Slade as she met and talked with more potential donors. She remained at the event until everyone had a chance to speak to her.
The Lincoln Town Car waited for her at the curb. She hid her exhaustion from the staff and guests at the hotel as she exited the building. A few stragglers asked for pictures and autographs, and Jade dutifully obliged. Her driver held the car door for her as she and Raydrick slipped into the back.
The luxury vehicle glided along Main Street toward the mayor’s two-story home.[BM7] [SD8] Jade looked out the window as Raydrick read her the latest polls.
“The Republicans haven’t announced their candidate yet, so all of this is preliminary,” he said. He opened a binder and read some information. “Your approval rating is 78% among Democrats and 54% among Republicans. Your overall approval rating is 81%.” He closed the binder and looked at his boss. “Those are big numbers, but they are likely to drop as others enter the race.”
“That sounds great,” said Jade. She kept looking out the window. “David loved the way the town looked at night,” she said. Raydrick leaned closer to the window. “He used to say Hayfield was the closest place to Heaven he had ever found. The people, the land, the clear sky. He loved all of it.”
Jade sat back in her seat, and Raydrick did the same. “He hated fundraisers, but he always went to them with me.” She shook her head and laughed. “He looked amazing in a tux.” Jade wiped her eyes. “I can’t believe it’s been two years already.”
Raydrick placed a comforting hand over hers. “Your second husband was a great man,” he said. “He loved you with all of his heart.” Raydrick pulled his hand back. “I remember the first time I met him. You and I were having lunch at McWilliams, and he showed up to surprise you.” Raydrick laughed. “He wore that dress shirt and a red bow tie. I thought he was our waiter.”
Jade laughed. “He didn’t let on either,” she said. “He recommended the baked salmon.”
They both laughed as Jade leaned toward her friend, her expression slowly saddening. “I miss him so much,” she said. “His voice, his laughter, his touch. All of it.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “He died way too soon. Why did it have to be him?” she asked.
“I wish I had an answer for you,” said Raydrick. “I guess all we can do is remember the good times he gave us.” He cleared his throat. “You know I’m not a particularly religious person, but I’d like to think David is looking over us from Heaven. One day, hopefully far in the future, you two will be together again.”
Jade smiled at her friend. “Thank you, Raydrick,” she said. “That is a beautiful sentiment.” She turned toward the window again. “I hope that’s true. I can’t imagine my life with someone else. Not after David.”
“I wouldn’t close off the possibility entirely,” said Raydrick. Jade glanced at him. “Maybe it is time to open yourself up to finding someone new. Not to replace David, but to start a new chapter. I don’t think he would mind. David wouldn’t want you to be alone for the rest of your life.”
Jade shook her head. “I can’t think about that right now,” she said. “I’m too busy and I don’t have the time to search for a new man. And honestly, I don’t think I’m ready.” She closed her eyes and leaned back on her seat. “That’s enough work for today, Raydrick,” she said.
Raydrick nodded and rested his hands in his lap. “Well, it’s Friday night, and I don’t have a date,” he said. “I guess it’s more binge-watching Sex and the City for me. What are your plans, Your Honor?”
“I will have dinner alone and fall asleep on my couch watching an old movie,” she said. “We politicians lead such glamorous lives, don’t we?”
“If you want company, I’m flexible with my plans,” said Raydrick.
“That’s nice of you, but I could use some me time,” said Jade. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a gold pocket watch. She traced the engraved words on the back of it with her index finger; To my beautiful wife Jade. Love U 4ever. Jade lightly squeezed the watch and pictured David giving it to her on their first wedding anniversary.
“We’re here, Your Honor,” said the driver as the vehicle pulled up to a curb.
Jade put the watch back in her pocket. Her door opened and she saw the driver standing as he always does. “Thank you, Oliver,” she said, as she got out. “Please, take Mr. Lee home. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Will do, ma’am.” Oliver shut the door and tipped his cap at his boss. “You have a good night.” The driver got back into the car and Jade watched it pull away. She remained still for a moment until the vehicle was out of sight. She turned, slowly, and walked to the front door of her home. She passed the small rose garden that shimmered in the moonlight.
Jade bent down as Truman rushed toward her with its tail wagging. The dark-haired, Yorkie-Pom barked at her. “Good evening, my boy,” she said to the dog as she rubbed its head. “I missed you too.” Jade stood and leisurely walked into the kitchen. She found some leftover pizza and heated it in the microwave before pouring a glass of red wine and moving into the living room.
The mayor put a copy of Casablanca into her DVD player and settled onto the couch. Truman sat on the floor at her feet and licked its paws. Jade sipped her wine as she watched her favorite movie.
As Richard Blaine drunkenly remembered his time in Paris with Ilsa Lund, Jade closed her eyes and raised her glass. “I wish you had been there tonight, David,” she said out loud. “I miss you.” She opened her eyes to see Ilsa enter the dark bar and find Richard inebriated. Jade rested her head against the back of the couch, her eyes growing heavy, and her glass barely making it onto the end table before she fell asleep in front of the television.
Strange Bedfellows is a rare novel that dives into American politics while seamlessly melding the topic with everyday life.
In the town of Hayfield, the mayoral election is underway. The Democrat candidate is Jade Weatherby, a confident if flawed incumbent who has to deal with some issues. Her daughter has some problems with drugs . She is challenged by the independent local businessman Finn Haley who appears quite level-headed despite their political differences. Initially they run against each other in a civil fashion, but the two political opponents start to form a genuine affection for each other.
The narrative unfolds mainly through character interactions with a focus on ground-level dialogue that never seems artificial or forced. Everything feels very plausible which is quite striking at a time when real-world politics has become so angry and bitter. As the political campaigns move forward, so do the bonds between the characters. Jade and Finn start with fairly typical visits to factories, elderly homes and other locations, but they also form relationships with others. Jade helps the young Toni find her feet and Finn connects with many people at Gamblers Anonymous. Deep down, you feel the good nature of the protaganists pushing through the drama of politics.
It all feels so natural to read and engage with the characters; while Strange Bedfellows does feature many angry incidents and moments of political polorisation, it also takes the time to portray the characters as normal people with their own goals and motivations. It effortlessly balances the personal and political, switching between the relentless onslaught of the press at one moment and delving into the character's individual lives the next.
As a political contest and an intimate drama, Strange Bedfellows succeeds with flying colours. By grounding itself in a relatable, everyday setting, it stands out as a very engaging read from start to finish.